Tucson Faces One of Its Driest Monsoon Seasons
Tucson is experiencing one of its driest monsoon seasons on record, and residents are feeling the impact. According to the National Weather Service, this summer has shaped up to be the city’s third-driest monsoon since official record-keeping began back in 1895. To put that in perspective, only 1.93 inches of rain have been recorded so far this season, as of August 21. Typically, by this point in the year, the city would have received closer to 3.72 inches.
When we look back, the driest full monsoon ever recorded in Tucson was in 1924, when just 1.59 inches of rain fell. The second driest was much more recent—2020—with 1.62 inches. This year, unfortunately, seems to be following closely in those footsteps. The lack of rain is especially concerning because monsoons are vital not only for cooling down the region but also for replenishing water supplies, supporting desert vegetation, and easing wildfire conditions.
Instead of cooling relief, Tucson is also facing extreme heat. An excessive heat warning has been issued through the end of the week, with temperatures running well above normal for late August. On top of that, strong winds have prompted a blowing dust advisory along the I-10 corridor between Tucson and Phoenix, creating hazardous driving conditions for anyone traveling that stretch. Dust storms in Arizona are no small matter—visibility can drop quickly, and travel becomes not just difficult but downright dangerous.
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This dry spell isn’t an isolated issue, either. Across the western United States, scientists say the region has been in the grip of a “megadrought” since the year 2000. Tree ring studies show that dry periods have occurred for centuries, but the current stretch stands out. In fact, research published in the journal Nature Climate Change suggests that conditions now are the worst in at least 1,200 years. Climate change has been identified as a major factor, intensifying the drought by making the air hotter and drier, which in turn pulls more moisture from soil and vegetation.
Snowpack shortages have also played a role, since melting snow is a critical water source throughout the Southwest. Without it, reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell have dropped to alarmingly low levels. Municipalities have increasingly relied on groundwater, but that reliance raises long-term sustainability concerns, especially in agricultural regions.
For Tucson, the reality is that monsoon rains are arriving later, lighter, and less frequently. While a few strong storms can still roll through, the overall trend is toward drier summers. Scientists warn that this “new normal” could mean more years like 2020 and 2025, where rain totals fall drastically short of the seasonal average.
For now, Tucsonans are being advised to stay safe in the heat, prepare for dust storms if traveling, and conserve water wherever possible. The hope remains that a shift in weather patterns might bring some late-season relief, but so far, this year has been marked by heat, dryness, and the growing reminder that the desert climate is changing.
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